Several Suspects in Custody After Hit-and-run Involving Deputy

Officials have confirmed that several suspects involved in a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a Pasco deputy in Zephyrhills are in custody.

By TREVOR PETTIFORDBay News 9

ZEPHYRHILLS | Officials have confirmed that several suspects involved in a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a Pasco deputy in Zephyrhills are in custody.

Deputies said three people are in custody for obstruction, as well as the suspect in the hit-and-run.

According to reports, a man driving a red F-150 pickup truck crossed over into the other lane and crashed into Deputy Darren Hill's cruiser head-on around 4:20 a.m. on State Road 54 near Loury Drive. The suspect fled on foot.

Hill was unable to speak but activated his distress signal, officials said.

The owner of the truck told deputies there was a party last night and only a handful of people are authorized to drive the truck.

Hill suffered two broken legs and is recovering at St. Joseph's Hospital.

"Thank God our deputy is alive after a horrific crash," said Sheriff Chris Nocco. "We don't know if the suspect was intoxicated, it's too early to tell."

Deputies set up a perimeter in the area while multiple law enforcement agencies searched for a man who fled on foot after the collision.

Officials said two airbags deployed in the truck and there may possibly be another suspect involved.A resident in the area of Arthur drive reported a man in a gray hoodie, jeans, with brown hair running through the neighborhood."It is critical for our citizens to realize you don't strike anybody in Pasco County and run away from the scene," said Nocco.

Hills has been with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office for about two years.

"We did not want 2014 to start off with the loss of a deputy's life, and we are fortunate that didn't happen," said Nocco.